After a three months of Destin calling our name to come back, Kristi and I couldn’t take it any more and we had to go back. We packed the Panga up with Matrix Shads and fuel and headed east. After a four hour ride we arrived excited and determined to catch a trophy trout in Florida. This time we knew what was in store. We now were aware of the 5 plus pound trout that roamed the area and big reds that cruised the flats. Our poles were spooled up with light line for the crystal clear water with our drags set right, we were ready for the attack. Big difference this time though, instead of the 5-15 foot of visibility like our last trip, this time it was more like 5-15 inches. Really 5-15 inches! I know hard to believe in Florida but it was true, all through July in the Choctawhatchee Bay. After receiving 25 plus inches of rain in a few days the bay was a disaster in the eyes of most Florida natives but to us Louisiana Anglers we felt just at home. First thing I did was switch back to 17 lb. test and brought out our Louisiana techniques. Our goal this time was to catch a few reds or a big trout in the shallow flats which we struggled last time due to smart and finicky fish because of the clear water. Last trip we struggled in the clear shallows but did fine in the deep water. This time the stained water may have played into our favor. After just 15 minutes of fishing on our this trip we landed our first ever 6 pound Florida trout. We were very excited as we let one slip at our finger tips the last trip at the “Brooks Bridge”. This big trout was landed at a grass flat just west of the Mid-Bay bridge on a 5/16 oz Golden Eye attached to a Lemon Head Matrix Shad. After a 3 minute fight with multiple shots at the net we finally landed our first trophy Florida trout or at least a trophy in our eyes. After that the search of a mule trout was off and the rest of the weekend we were simply looking for action and fun. We caught fish of many different species such as Blue fish, Mangrove Snapper, White Trout, Lady Fish, Rock Bass, Oyster Fish, Flounder, Spanish Maceral, many more smaller specks and we ended the trip on the Destin Jettie while fishing with my Mom with a 35 inch Bull Redfish. Amazing weekend catching 10 species of fish on the Matrix Shad in several different colors. If you are looking for a fishing get away Destin is great. Many different species of fish and it seems that you always have a shot at a trophy trout down there. Check out all our pics and videos of our Destin trips at www.DockSideLA.com www.MatrixShad.com
